Aging and surgical operations on reproductive organs are often assumed to cause a reduction in sex drive. The hot flashes and genito-urinary atrophy which are common menopausal symptoms possibly combined with a partner's erectile problems (experienced by heterosexual couples) are usually associated with a decreased sexual desire. Similarly, premature menopause brought about by a hysterectomy, the removal of the uterus, is commonly associated with adverse effects on sexual desire. However, data suppor ted by extensive research indicates that neither aging nor hysterectomy affect sexual desire negatively. Despite the physical changes and problems that aging or a hysterectomy may bring about, most studies show that people continue to have satisfying sex ual experiences throughout their life. Research results indicate that sexual desire before and after either menopause or hysterectomy is likely to remain unchanged may even be enhanced.
Presents selected findings of a study investigating the effects of gynecological conditions and hysterectomy on the emotional health and sexuality of 656 Western Australian women aged 30-50 years. Reports that the hysterectomy subjects experienced a sign ificant increase in satisfaction with coital activity after surgery.
A study of the effect of subtotal hysterectomy on a woman's sexuality. Half of the women reported improvement in their sexuality after surgery, and 21% reported deterioration. Concludes that preoperative sexual activity is more important in predicting p ostoperative sexuality than is the occurrence of dyspareunia or deterioration of sexual activity because of uterine disease.
Reviews myths, issues, and controversies surrounding the sexuality of midlife women. Discusses different psychological as well as physical therapies which can be helpful in reducing adverse effects of menopause and hysterectomy on sexuality. The author concludes that hysterectomy and/or aging can either enhance or diminish sexual desire, depending on the woman's preoperative distress and expectations.
Recent studies conducted in the United Kingdom show that 33% to 46% of women report decreased sexual response after hysterectomy-oophorectomy. The prevailing theory in the United States for over 30 years in counseling women is that such decreases are psy chogenic. The postulates of the psychogenesis theory were examined sand found no longer tenable in the light of current physiologic knowledge of female sexuality. The newer knowledge may now be utilized in counseling the one of four women who reaches me nopause through surgery.
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